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Friday, September 28, 2012

Why don't you make your walls come alive with three dimensional art? Whether it is a vintage bust, a gilt sculpture, empty picture frames, a large tray or any other beautiful object, I'm seeing more and more interesting wall art. It's amazing how an unexpected piece, like the vintage bust displayed in Nate Berkus' office, can take on a new life when proudly displayed over a chest of drawers. And the large vintage sculptural art in ornate gold pops against the all white walls and sets the tone for an entire space. Take a look at these and get inspired to turn a wall into an expression of your personal style! I'm making it my weekend goal to find a piece for over my bed....what do you have planned?

I'm having a major moment with vintage factory lights. As I mentioned before, my sister recently purchased a condo and if I have my way she'll have two of these shiny enamel lights hanging over her peninsula. She lives in a modern building so these lights will toughen up the space and add a much need pop of color. The emerald green light pictured above is my absolute favorite, it reminds me of the ones in this kitchen designed by Buckingham Interiors, but I also think the charcoal gray would look fantastic against her white walls. Decisions, decisions....which one do you like best?

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

How stunning are these photos of fashion designer Stella McCartney and her picturesque English country estate published by Vogue? Stella told Hamish Bowles all about her "garden within a garden within a garden" back in October 2010 and it’s no surprise that
her work is inextricably linked to her home:
“Sometimes I find a color in the garden I wouldn’t normally think
of,” she says. “I enjoy them more in nature, and it makes me want to
bring them into the collection."

Can you even imagine having that view? There is inspiration for days. The color of the Wisteria Sinensis that scales the eastern facade of the redbrick Georgian manor is seriously breathtaking, as is the herringbone brick walkway that passes through the Anniversary Garden. You read that right, the Anniversary Garden, which is the grandest of them all, was created in
2009, in time to celebrate Stella and her husband's sixth wedding anniversary. Sigh.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Well there's no denying I was a bad, bad blogger last week, sorry! My boyfriend was in town for work on Wednesday and Thursday and lets be honest, who wants to open their computer when they've got a good looking man visiting? Not I. Paul left on Friday so I had the weekend to myself to get shit done. Excuse my language but it was a very productive weekend!

I spent my Saturday roaming around the city searching for vintage goodies. I purchased a beautiful agate that I plan to have made into a lamp, found the most incredible pair of vintage baker armchairs and scored a vintage credenza for $100. Above is a little peek at the credenza's fabulous hardware...it needs to be refinished but I want to hug it. On Sunday I checked block printing fabric off my bucket list. I'll share more on the process later this week but I plan to use the pattern I designed on the leading edge of the curtains I'm making for my bedroom. A pretty and productive weekend, right?

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Look Familiar? It should. This four story West Village townhouse once belonged to Steven Gambrel and has graced the cover of Elle Decor and Steven's new book Time and Place. I urge you to pull out your January/February 2009 issue of Elle Decor if you need to refresh your memory. I did just that last night and to be honest, I don't know if I'm horrified or intrigued by Love's updates to the historic home. It definitely has a more bohemian free-spirit feel to it. The former dining room is now prayer room and Gambrel's iconic military jacket-inspired curtains now hang over small-scale Farrow and Ball Lotus paper. Courtney made quite a few updates considering she only rented the home for 6 months. You can read all about it over at xojane. And if you happen to have an extra $11.4M laying around the house is up sale, check out the listing here. Any takers? I'd buy it if I could, the bones are perfection! I want to marry those mouldings and lacquered doors.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Is it really already Monday? Some highlights from my weekend include: breaking in my new J.Crew leopard heels, wearing the vintage necklace I picked up at the Renegade Craft Fair last weekend to a fun happy hour with my girlfriends, participating in the Lake Geneva Fat Tire Bike Ride (yes I road my bike 21.5 miles around the lake while consuming adult beverages), discovering the most beautiful handmade brass lights at Pier 290 (one of the 7 bars we stopped at along our trek), recovering from the bike ride, noticing a new corner detail my neighbor added to their elaborate gate and counting down the minutes until I could crawl into my crisp, clean bed. I'm feeling tired and surprisingly inspired. Physical activity sure does take a lot out of a girl but I just love finding inspiration in the most unexpected places! How was your weekend?

Friday, September 14, 2012

When Farrow & Ball came out with The Lotus print wallpaper, it was love at first sight. I'm helping my sister decorate her new condo and when I suggested this paper for her powder room she wasn't really feeling it, I think she called it 'old lady'. Huh? I just don't get it, I'm absolutely smitten with the oversized floral print. I'm hoping this post changes her mind!

Here it is, looking lovely, in Ryan Korban's masculine and moody Soho kitchen, a colorful den by Christina Murphy and a welcoming Rachel Halvorson-designed entry. Great, right? It's quite possibly my favorite wallpaper pattern of all time. Bold statement, I know but I love it's versatility. The dark colors are bold and graphic while the softer shades add a subtle depth to the walls. So, Lauren, are you convinced?

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Muted colors and fresh florals, each of these looks struck heart chords I didn't know existed. I was all about florals in my youth, think floral Dr. Marten boots and Shabby Chic bedding, so I thought I had outgrown that stage in my life, until now.